The more we all learn about the health and environmental impacts of microplastics, the more we all want to reduce single-use plastics in our homes.

Some of the best ways to do this are to switch to reusable food storage containers and water bottles, bring your bags to the grocery store, eat real, unpackaged food, buy home goods, toys, etc., made from natural materials, buy clothing made from natural fibers, and use refillable natural cleaning concentrates made without plastics.

Branch Basics was founded on this model: one human-safe, cruelty-free, and environmentally-friendly Concentrate plus water in a refillable glass or plastic bottle replaces every harsh chemical cleaner and laundry product in your home.

Read on to learn more about how Branch Basics Concentrate and refills cut waste and clutter (of house and mind).

Key Takeaways 

• Refillable cleaning concentrate can save millions of pounds of single-use plastics annually, and reduce microplastic pollution
  
• They also save you time, money, and brain space by simplifying your cleaning product needs and routine
  
• Branch Basics refillable system uses just one Concentrate plus water to clean your entire home!
  

The Problem With Traditional Single-Use Cleaning Products

There are many problems with single-use traditional cleaning products, as you’re likely well aware, including:

• Waste…a LOT of waste
  
• Single-use plastic
  
• Having to buy the same product over and over again
  
• Harsh chemical ingredients like bleach, ammonia, pesticides, phthalates, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, and PFAS
  
• The cost inefficiency of purchasing multiple specialized cleaners for different jobs, all in disposable bottles
  
• The inability to replace a spray nozzle that breaks
  
• Poor seals and spray caps allow offgassing of chemical fumes to pollute the home, even from “sealed” bottles

When you actually list out the disadvantages of single-use cleaning products, it’s kind of wild that they’ve become the standard in most American homes.

Fortunately, refillable cleaning products offer an ideal alternative for eco-, toxin-, and health-conscious individuals and families.

Why Refillable Cleaning Products Are Better For The Planet

According to the EPA, containers and packaging account for a major portion of municipal solid waste, amounting to 82.2 million tons generated in 2018![1]

Within that, 82.2 million tons are around 700 million single-use laundry detergent bottles! And you can bet the amount of spray cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, floor cleaners, dish detergent, and other packaging is comparable.[2]

The obvious solution is to switch to refillable cleaning and laundry products, which allow you to use the same bottle for years with proper care.

Refillable cleaning products made with natural cleaning concentrates are also safe for humans, pets, and the environment, and save a ton of time and money because you’re not running out to buy multiple products over and over, nor are you paying extra for excessive packaging.

Whether you use Branch Basics Concentrate or another human-safe refillable brand, that’s a win-win-win for people and the planet.

Related reading: Clearing The Air: What Does It Mean To Be Eco-Friendly? 

How Branch Basics Concentrate & Refills Work

Now that we’re settled on the irrefutable benefits of refillable cleaning concentrate models, let’s look at how Branch Basics all-in-one cleaning system works.

You start with Branch Basics Concentrate, either purchased within a Starter Kit (Premium or Ultimate recommended for new customers) or solo to use with your own bottles (more on this to come).

The Concentrate is then diluted with water in specific ratios, as listed on our refillable plastic or glass bottles, to create All-Purpose, Bathroom, Foaming Wash, Streak-Free, and (optional) Laundry.

If you’re using your own bottles, see How To Use Branch Basics Concentrate With Your Own Bottles.

You can also use Concentrate to create custom dilutions for flooring, washing walls and ceilings, and carpet cleaning, so it’s super versatile.

And that’s it! One Concentrate, plus water, replaces every single cleaning and laundry product in your home.

Our One Concentrate Has Many Uses

Branch Basics Concentrate is truly the cleaning product of over 100 uses, including:

• Surfaces
  
• Stainless steel
  
• Ovens
  
• Cooktops
  
• Bathrooms
  
• Laundry
  
• Walls
  
• Ceilings
  
• Hand washing
  
• Pets
  
• Stains
  
• Carpet cleaning
  
• Floor cleaning
  
• Glass cleaning
  
• Mirror cleaning
  
• Car cleaning
  
• Deck cleaning
  
• Jewelry cleaning
  
• Dish washing
  
• Fridge cleaning
  
• Screen cleaning
  
• Makeup removal
  
• Body wash
  
• Baby shampoo
  
• Eye makeup remover
  
• And so much more!

We discuss all the ways to use it in:

• How To Use Branch Basics All-Purpose Solution: Complete Guide
  
• How To Use Branch Basics Bathroom Solution: Complete Guide 
  
• How To Use Branch Basics Streak-Free: Complete Guide
  
• How To Use Branch Basics Foaming Wash: Complete Guide
  

How Our Refills Work

When you purchase a Branch Basics Starter Kit, you can choose from refillable plastic or glass bottles (with silicone sleeves) to make your cleaners and laundry products.

It comes with Branch Basics Concentrate, and different Starter Kits have different add-ons, like Oxygen Boost, a laundry booster, bleach alternative, stain remover, and scouring agent.

The refillable bottles include simple instructions for diluting our Concentrate to make the different cleaners.

When you run out, simply refill with Concentrate and water, and you’re ready to clean!

When your Concentrate gets low, visit the Refill section of our website to buy a new bottle, and recycle the Concentrate bottle.

Easy peasy.

Cost Savings Of Natural Cleaning Concentrates

So, how much does one bottle of Concentrate make and save in single-use bottles (and money)?

It depends on the Starter Kit, but here’s a breakdown of the Premium Starter Kit in plastic:

• 3 Foaming Wash Refills $3.09 each
  
• 3 All-Purpose Refills $3.09 each
  
• 3 Bathroom Refills $6.18 each
  
• 3 Streak-Free Refills $0.49 each
  
• 1 Laundry Refill 64 loads of laundry $0.26 per load

So you’re saving a total of 15 single-use plastic bottles, minus one bottle of Concentrate, that can be recycled in most areas, and saving a boatload of money on human-safe cleaners. Not bad!

See more cost comparisons in: Is Branch Basics Worth The Price? A Simple Cost Per Bottle Comparison.

Toss The Toxins With Branch Basics & Save

Ready to start reducing your single-use plastic impact, reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, and save money? Then Branch Basics will become your new favorite natural cleaning concentrate!

For new customers, we recommend browsing our Starter Kits. The Premium Starter Kit or Ultimate Starter Kits are both an excellent value and allow you to get the most out of our Concentrate.

If you want something more basic for everyday cleaning, not laundry, the Cleaning Essentials Kit is ideal. If you’re only looking for refillable laundry detergent, the Laundry Kit is the place to start.

And when you’re ready for refills, be sure to sign up for autoship to save 15% and never run out of Concentrate, Oxygen Boost, or other Branch Basics products.

Finally, if cutting back on single-use plastic is your jam, we highly recommend checking out our plastic-free Dishwasher Tablets.

All Branch Basics Products are made using the highest-quality human-safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, plant- and mineral-based ingredients, making them safe to use around babies, children, people with chemical sensitivities, pets, and people with chronic illness.

No compromises, just pure cleaning power every time.

Learn more about our commitment to human-safe products in: What Is Human Safe? Our Brand Promise

• Shop Branch Basics Starter Kits
  
• Shop Branch Basics Refills

FAQs

What questions do you have about Branch Basics? Let’s answer them here.

Q: How long does Branch Basics Concentrate last?

A: It depends on the size of your home and household, how often you clean, whether you use it for laundry, and how much cleaner you use. 

Typically, one bottle of Concentrate lasts several months.

Q: Are refillable cleaning products better for the environment? 

A: Absolutely! Refillable cleaning products can keep millions of pounds of plastic packaging and microplastics out of the landfill, waterways, environment, and our bodies (!) annually.

Q: Can I use one concentrate for my whole home? 

A: Yep. You can also use it on your car, home exterior, pets, kids, and pretty much anything that requires cleaning or washing.

Q: Are eco-friendly cleaning concentrates as effective as regular cleaners?

A: Not always, but Branch Basics is incredibly effective. Check out our customer reviews to see why it’s become a natural cleaning Concentrate sensation!